Palace to BOL opponents: Respect plebiscite result

MANILA, Philippines — The result of the plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) “must be upheld despite discordant voices,” Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was “pleased” that Cotabato City voted “yes” to join the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The city had twice rejected inclusion in the ARMM in 1989 and in 2001.

“Consistent with the position of the President for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), we are pleased that the yes vote has prevailed in Cotabato City, based on the complete but unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” Panelo said in a statement.

“The sovereign people have spoken, those who are against the BOL must yield to the rule of the majority,” he added.

He said, “all the major players, pro and con, must now come together and work together for the success of the common aspiration of the Bangsamoro people, which is to have a progressive and peaceful Mindanao.”

He also addressed the claims of irregularity during the plebiscite.

“As in all elections and plebiscites, there will be claims of irregularity, fraud and intimidation,” he said.

“If they do not affect the credibility of the elections and alter the result thereof, while those responsible for the undemocratic methods will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, the result of the plebiscite must be upheld despite discordant voices,” he added. /ee

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